Why does the Government of India promote the use of 'Neem-coated Urea' in agriculture?
- A.Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
- B.Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
- C.Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields
- D.It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is B, Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil. The neem layer releases nitrogen slowly, so crops take up more of it and less is lost.
Plain urea dissolves fast and much of its nitrogen is lost by leaching into groundwater and as gases. Neem oil contains compounds such as nimbin that slow down nitrification, the bacterial change of ammonium into nitrate, so nitrogen stays in the root zone longer. This raises nitrogen use efficiency, cuts the quantity of urea farmers need and reduces nitrate pollution. Neem coating also makes subsidised urea unfit for illegal diversion to industries such as plywood, dyes and adhesives. India made 100 per cent neem coating of domestic and imported urea compulsory in 2015.
A is wrong: neem oil does not boost nitrogen fixation by soil microbes; it slows nitrification.
C is wrong: nitrous oxide emissions are reduced, not stopped altogether; "not at all" is false.
D is wrong: neem-coated urea is a fertiliser, not a weedicide.
Exam tip: neem coating = slow release, nitrification inhibitor, less diversion; 100 per cent mandatory since 2015.
Practice Questions
View allConsider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission :
I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.
II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.I only
- B.II only
- C.Both I and II
- D.Neither I nor II
Show answer
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched to conserve and develop indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds scientifically, and it matters most to the small farmers and landless labourers who keep most of these animals.
Read the full explanation →Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the
- A.Department of Science and Technology
- B.Ministry of Labour and Employment
- C.NITI Aayog
- D.Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Show answer
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) was set up in 2016 by NITI Aayog as the Government of India's flagship programme to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
Read the full explanation →Consider the following statements :
1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seeds.
2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.
3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- A.Only one
- B.Only two
- C.All three
- D.None
Show answer
Nigerseed is one of the oilseeds covered by MSP, it is grown mainly in the kharif season, and tribal communities use its oil for cooking.
Read the full explanation →With reference to the 'Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988' (PBPT Act), consider the following statements :
1. A property transaction is not treated as a benami transaction if the owner of the property is not aware of the transaction.
2. Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by the Government.
3. The Act provides for three authorities for investigations but does not provide for any appellate mechanism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
Show answer
Benami property can be confiscated by the Central Government, but the Act covers transactions the owner is unaware of and it does provide an appeal.
Read the full explanation →Which one of the following statements regarding the objectives of the Second Five-Year Plan is not correct ?
- A.Development of the basic and heavy industry sector
- B.Increase in national income to raise living standards
- C.Expansion of the consumer goods sector
- D.Expansion of employment opportunities
Show answer
The Second Plan put its stress on basic and heavy industries, not on consumer goods, which were left mainly to small and cottage industries.
Read the full explanation →